Gong Xi Fa Cai! Today, February 1st is the first day of the Chinese New Year of the Tiger.
I remember the Chinese New Years of my childhood, when everyone stocked up on food because all the stores would be closed so people could spend time with their families.
There would be hoards of people visiting by day, mountains of food and fireworks and sparklers at night. Best of all, you couldn't get scolded for anything you did because angry words spoken on the first day would bring bad luck and anger all year.
Chinese New Year was a time of renewal and rebirth and starting over. And 'good luck' red packets of course!
This year there will be no big reunions as visitors remain capped at five people per day. Despite pleas, Minister Lawrence Wong (co-chair of our multi-ministry task force handling Covid-19) just announced the rules will stay in place because the key priority is to protect our healthcare system.
It's not exactly great news for our healthcare workers and their families either, as he also announced almost 1,000 general practitioner (GP) clinics will stay open over the Chinese New Year public holiday (Jan 31-Feb 2).
There's a lot of Covid fatigue and frustration and it's not surprising there were crowds around the zodiac prediction posters when I went to do some last minute shopping for our 'big reunion' dinner for two.
These are just a sample of the posters I saw outside the Fu Lu Shou (Fu, Lu and Shou are the three embodiments of Fortune, Prosperity and Longevity) building predicting what the coming year will bring for different people born under different animal signs.
Of course I joined the people queuing to study and compare the different predictions.
I'm an Ox, so are most people born in 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021. I say most not all, because if you were born in January like my friend who just had a birthday last week (before Chinese New Year) you’d be a Rat.
Anyway, I had fun looking up my predictions despite the heat--luckily there were lots of socially distanced shaded areas!
I thought it would be interesting to give a rough summary (and my best attempts at translation!) of what I saw predicted for the different animal years.
Here are the lists, just in case you want to look yourself or anyone else up!
Tiger: Those born in 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Although this is ‘your’ year, it means the tiger sign is fan (犯) (competing or in conflict with) Tai Sui (太岁) (your own spiritual planetary body) this year. But being surrounded by many powerful lucky stars you shouldn’t be too badly affected. Be aware of how it affects your mood and watch out for carelessness on the part of others that may cause accidents.
Romance is unpredictable, which could mean break ups. However the shifts in energy could also mean unexpected romantic encounters or a new baby (definitely a change in energy) in existing relationships.
Rabbit: Those born in 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
People born in the year of Rabbit will be surrounded by many lucky stars and your relationship with others is at its best. But use your judgement as not everyone wanting to help you may be good for you. Moreover, you may receive great assistance from your destined helpful people (贵人). Your position is stable and cooperation with colleagues is harmonious. If you want to look for greener pastures, this is a good time but make sure the work is suitable for you beyond the charm of a new environment.
Dragon: Those born in 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
The dragon will have more control over work but your luck is not steady, especially for those self-employed or running small businesses. You must step forward, but step with caution. As for executing new plans or investments, think thrice before acting. Be aware that as your fortune is not steady, your emotions will be affected. Hence, control your feelings as much as possible. Be aware of the elders in your family and mentors in your business.
Serpent: Those born in 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
The serpents will have more disputes and quarrels with others. Interpersonal matters may arise that are difficult to solve. You should do things in an orderly way to avoid unnecessary mistakes and troubles. Fortunately, helpful people (贵人) are destined to come your way and if you recognise and accept help, you may go through all the difficulties smoothly. Your work outlook is stable.
Horse: Those born in 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
People born in the year of Horse will be protected by two lucky stars, Santai and General, meaning their status and power can be raised. But your destined helpful people are weak, so remember not to be carried away by the prospect of success. Remember to avoid offending others unintentionally as your success can make you a target to other people.
Your ‘fast luck’ is not good this year and it’s not advisable to participate in speculative investments. You must think longterm in seeking your wealth and the same goes for romance.
Goat: Those born in 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
For those born in the Goat year, the Tiger year is a good year for new babies, new clients and new enterprises. However, do not take on more than you can handle whether in your career or domestic life or both will suffer. You have a supportive star and helpful people (既人) who will calm any disputes if you let them.
It is a good time to meet new partners (romantic and business) but remember to heed the advice of your wise friends.
Monkey: Those born in 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
In the Tiger year, the monkeys offend Taisui (犯太岁) and are surrounded by a number of malignant stars, so you are advised not to take on personal responsibility for the sick or to start or expand your business. It would be better for you to postpone your plans till next year. Definitely avoid speculative activities such as investing in quick turnover shares and gambling. In a love relationship, commit to working on your marriage or welcoming your new-born and fortune will follow.
Rooster: Those born in 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
For roosters, the tiger year is illuminated by a lucky star and should be stable and smooth. Your fortune prospects in wealth especially are great. But be careful to maintain balance as the abundant opportunities for obtaining wealth may lead to an imbalance in your life. Pay attention to your relationships and self care so that the abundance of wealth doesn’t lead to problems in other areas.
Dog: Those born in 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
People born in the year of Dog are compatible with the Chinese Zodiac Tiger. They also benefit from the presence of the lucky star Three Harmony (三合) and are protected by lucky stars Santai (三台) and General (将星). Also they are destined to encounter helpful (贵) people. In both work and relationships, you’ll encounter unexpected opportunities. Your wealth prediction is good, but depends on work achievement. If luck comes fast, it will not be plentiful. If you act on the inspiration and enlightenment that come your way, you may produce good work.
Pig: Those born in 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
For those born in the year of Pig, this year of Tiger will be filled with the prospect of abundant happiness, fortunate events and encounters with many destined helpful people (贵人). Now comes the big reverse after the past three challenging years. This is the time to work harder as it will lead to plans running smoothly and fortunes stabilising and increasing.
Rat: Those born in 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
For people born in the year of Rat, the tiger year will be filled with changes and upheavals outside of your control. However it’s also a good year for voluntary change like moving house or acquiring new skills as you tap into the swirling energy. If you encounter challenges, work consistently, hold on tight and stay calm till they pass. Avoid gambling and speculation, however tempting the opportunities. Your home is filled with harmonious atmosphere and there may be unexpected arrivals in the form of children, grandchildren or pets.
Ox: Those born in 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
People born in the year of Ox have exceptionally powerful fortune this coming Tiger year. However, you must put in the effort to grasp your achievements. You’ll easily make new acquaintances and get along well with old friends, colleagues and relatives. This may be a good year to make a marriage or business proposal.
If you spot and seize the right opportunity, you may advance into a new phase and obtain satisfactory results. Amy work pressure you feel at the start of the year will be solved by the middle as long as you remain humble and hardworking.
It's not surprising people want to know what's coming, no matter how vague or unreliable the source. But the underlying message of all the predictions seem to be: as the stars and planets continue to move, your luck will continue to change. If things are bad for you now, they will get better. And if things are good for you now, they may be bad for someone else, so be aware and share.
And as ever, the best thing about new year is the chance of a new start it brings to everyone at the same time.
So Gong Xi Fa Cai to you all from Singapore!
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